October Breast Cancer Awareness month

[SnowHot]

I had my mammogram today.
Have you scheduled your mammogram?


Hitting close to home this year.
My cousin was diagnosed with Breast cancer less than two months ago. I'm not particularly close to this cousin, due to interests and such, but still, she's my cousin and she's close to MY AGE!!!

She had a Mastectomy two weeks ago today, with pathology results that were bleak at best.

She has hope, and she has faith, but she also knows its time to make each day count.
Her initial lump was located several months ago, perhaps even more than a year ago. She didn't get it checked for various reason, and now she wishes she'd taken the time.


Please, if you haven't have a mammogram in a while, then call today to schedule yours. You're important to me!!!

 

[Robyn]

Thanks for posting SnowHot!

I think most of you know about my aunt, who I am happy to say is almost 2 1/2 years clear of treatment and it's nearly 3 years since diagnosis (wow, time flies). She means more to me than I can describe and I am so thankful she didn't wait.

I think I'll add some links of resources for personal support or places to donate time and/or money or purchase merchandise to support the cause. I don't have much time now but to start, one of my favorite corporate campaigns with some really cool merchandise is Ford's Warriors in Pink.

 

[Jilly]

This past year I've met some wonderful ladies who are all survivors and part of dragon boat racing teams. At many festivals there is a special division for breast cancer survivor teams. At the end of the their races there is a special ceremony known as the "carnation ceremony". "I will remember you" is played or sung and the carnations are thrown into the water as a memorial to all that are not paddling today. Its heart wrenching and a wonderful ceremony.
One of the ladies that has paddled with us all summer, as a regular member, is now going through treatments again. We all pray and hope that things will be OK. As we do for all who are going through treatments.

For Canadian Diva's Tabi has some wonderfull "pink" products for October. The pink bracelets are beautiful and therapeutic with magnets and only $20.

Oh, and my mammogram is scheduled for Dec 19th.

 

[Robyn]

Oh, and my mammogram is scheduled for Dec 19th.

That's the anniversary of the date of my ultrasound for a lump my doctor found. Fortunately all was clear, and I hope you have the same!

 

[Jilly]

Ontario Breast Screening Program allows one mammogram every 2 years for ladies over 50 - free. So its just screening, no family history. Yearly physical exam didn't find anything. Also I called in late August and the appointment is December. I hope for anyone that has a problem the doctor would make the appointment and not through this program. They only run certain days of the week. I wouldn't want to wait that long!!

 

[ski diva]

I have a condition which causes them to find something almost every time I have a mammogram. I've had two biopsies, 5(?) needle aspirations, and several ultrasounds (one just the other week). It's to the point where I don't get shook up about it anymore, because I always expect they'll find something they need to investigate. And even though they haven't found anything bad, I wouldn't dream of not following up. You just never know if this will be the one time it's serious.

So I guess what I'm saying is twofold; first, if they find something in your mammogram, don't go crazy. You could be completely fine. And second, get yourself checked out whenever there's something suspicious. Just because it wasn't serious last time doesn't mean it won't be this time. You can't be too careful.

 

[altagirl]

So at what age do you start? I can't remember - only that every time I ask my doctor, he tells me I'm too young. (34) But it's a little disturbing since 2 of my friends have had breast cancer recently. But it doesn't run in my family, so that's a plus.

 

[Robyn]

I think it varies based on family history. Some docs are now saying baseline at 35 then annual starting at 40. It used to be everything started at 40. I have to start at 35 due to family history.

 

[ski diva]

I have no family history, and I started at 40.

 

[Jilly]

Baseline at 40, checked again at 45, now every 2 years as part of OBSP. But no family history. Our history is at the other end!!

 

[SnowHot]

I had my first mam at 40, with the idea I'd do it again at 45, but after my cousin's recent diagnosis, they urged me to step it up.

 

[itri]

I lost a good friend to this horrible, horrible disease almost exactly a year ago. She was my age and left behind a daughter who had just turned a year old. This is a subject that is near and dear to my heart.

For those of you in the Denver area, the Race for the Cure is this upcoming Sunday, the 5th. You don't have to run. I walked it, carrying DS in the Baby Bjorn two years ago. Heck, you don't even have to go down to the event to support it. You can also Sleep In for the Cure, and Work Out for the Cure. Last year, I chose to Work Out for the Cure and took DS and the dog up to do a spectacular hike in honor of my friend, who did the race herself, just three weeks before she passed away.

And for everyone, regardless of your location, please remember to do your monthly self-exams. You may think you're too young to have to worry about it, but the brutal truth is that the younger you are, the more aggressive the disease typically is, and it's that much more important to diagnose and begin treatment early. My friend was 31 at diagnosis, and was only able to fight it off for just under a year. Put a date on your calendar each month, and do your self-exam! Please.

Stepping off my soapbox now...

 

[ski diva]

Here's a way that all of us can make a difference.

For years, researchers have been studying women who have breast cancer in their search for a cure. Now a leading researcher is looking to raise an army of women who do not have the disease, to help discover its cause and to stop it before it starts. You can sign up here. What that means is that you'll be available as a resource for subsequent studies, if needed. It does not mean you have to participate, if you don't want to.

What a great opportunity to help eradicate breast cancer in our lifetimes!

 

[itri]

Remembering Ragan

One year ago today, I lost my friend Ragan to breast cancer. She was diagnosed just weeks after giving birth to her daughter (just a few months younger than my DS). She fought hard and bravely for almost a year but in the end wasn't able to beat this horrible horrible disease. She was just 32 years old and left behind her beautiful baby girl as well as tons of broken-hearted family and friends.

Just another reminder to all of you ladies. Please, PLEASE do your self-exam EVERY month. And, go to the site Ski Diva linked above, www.armyofwomen.org, to help participate in research to eradicate breast cancer.

 

[Robyn]

I joined today in honor of Ragan, my aunt Christy, my friends Anna, Kay and Paula (who are all survivors) and the too many women who are fighting their battle right now.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

So so sorry about your friend, itri :(
Incredibly sad story....

Yes. Do a baseline at 35. I did. Gives a basis of comparison/change. Then annuals begin at 40. Unless there's a problem, in which case it has to be stepped up (i.e., diagnostic mammography - versus routine screening).
I moved xc with a huge envelope full of past mammograms, per my doctor.
New digital technology makes for an even clearer view.
Don't miss a year. Most insurance covers it.

 

[ski diva]

One year ago today, I lost my friend Ragan to breast cancer. She was diagnosed just weeks after giving birth to her daughter (just a few months younger than my DS). She fought hard and bravely for almost a year but in the end wasn't able to beat this horrible horrible disease. She was just 32 years old and left behind her beautiful baby girl as well as tons of broken-hearted family and friends.

Just another reminder to all of you ladies. Please, PLEASE do your self-exam EVERY month. And, go to the site Ski Diva linked above, www.armyofwomen.org, to help participate in research to eradicate breast cancer.

How sad and so young! Just another reason why we have to do everything we can to help stamp out this disease.

My heart goes out to her family. And to you, too, of course.

 

[SnowHot]

Itri, I kept you in thought yesterday. I hope you feel the virtual hugs surrounding you.

Today, I am reminded of Cami Potter. She was a snowboarder from our area who became a champion on many levels, and was respected in the snowboard community.
She lost her battle to breast cancer a few years ago, and her mother Carol, continues to hold the banner high to develop scholarship funds for progressing snowboarders and to help fight breast Cancer.

The Warren Miller movie showing in our area is held by the Cammy Potter Foundation.

Way to stoke our season and generate funds for a great cause!

 

[jenniferhelen]

Thank you all for sharing your stories. It is really nice to hear the stories of survivors. I would like share this article I found in caring.com. Its all about how to support someone with breast cancer.